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Prémio Infante D. Henrique

The Premio Infante D. Henrique programme also known as Duke of Edinburgh Award is a real adventure from beginning to end.

It does not matter who you are or where you are from. You just need to be aged between 14 and 24 and realise there is more to life than sitting on a sofa watching life pass you by.

You can do programmes at three levels, Skills for Life, Silver or Gold, which lead to a Premio Award. You achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five if you are going for Gold).

You will find yourself helping people or the community, getting fitter,developing skills, going on an expedition and taking part in a residential activity (Gold only).

But here's the best bit - you get to choose what you do!

Your programme can be full of activities and projects , and along the way you will pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

There are three levels of programme you can do which, when you have successfully completed lead to a Skills for Life, Silver or GoldDuke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The main differences between them are the minimum length of time it takes to complete them, how challenging it is and the minimum age you can start.

Depending on your age, you are free to start at any level but most people prefer to try for Skills for Life and work upwards. There are age restrictions for each one so it makes sense to build yourself up rather than dive in at the deep end.

Do not forget, you have until your 25th birthday to complete whichever level you are working on and achieve an Award.

The table below shows the different overall age restrictions and time requirements for each level.

You achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five if you're going for Gold).

These sections are:

Volunteering - helping someone, your community or the environment

Physical - becoming fitter through sport, dance or fitness activities

Skills - developing existing talents or trying something new

Expedition - planning, training for and completing an adventurous journey

Residential (Gold only) - staying and working away from home as part of a team

The length of time you have to spend on each section depends on the level of programme you're doing.

It will usually take you at least 6 months to complete your Skills for Life programme.

It will usually take you at least 9 months for Silver.

For Gold, you will need to do your programme for at least 12 months.

We have put the length of time in months - you need to show regular activity and commitment during this time of at least an hour a week. You can not achieve an Award in a short burst of enthusiasm over one weekend!

Remember, all activities for a Premio programme MUST be completed by your 25th birthday. Once you've done the minimum amount of time needed to complete your Premio programme, we are sure that you will have had so much fun that you'll want to keep on doing your activities!

Why do it?

Because, from the first day to the last it is a real adventure. Every section gives you something different – that is the fun of it!

You will enjoy loads of new experiences, discover talents you never thought you had, challenge yourself and meet loads of people just like you. Plus you will do things you love and get a kick out of. It is a real buzz!

Then there is all the other stuff......like the fact that achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and a view on life that everyone is looking for, from employers to colleges and universities....you're getting recognised for doing things you want to do (and may even be doing already). ...plus you’ll make a difference to other people’s lives and your community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last you a lifetime.